In
the article “Duo turned plastic waste into concrete”, Goy (2016) claims that
scientists from BlueRen have come up with a way to transfigure plastic wastes
into carbon nanotubes. Carbon nanotubes can be utilized as an additive to
concrete, to reduce the use of cement. Traditional methods of producing carbon
nanotubes are extremely limited, due to the high expenses and the creation of
toxic gases. BlueRen however, has innovated a new way of production that is
much more environmentally sustainable and it hopes to commercialise their new
technology. Nanotechnology can be used in more ways than the author suggests,
and such advancements will benefit the environment tremendously.
As
mentioned, nanotechnology can be used in many ways apart from implementing it
as an addition to concrete to reduce cement. For instance, from the article
“Environmental Effects of Nanotechnology”, Battachara (2012) states that
nanotechnology has come up with enhanced solutions to various environmental
issues, mainly regarding the field of water quality and drinkability. Nano
technology can solve problems such as the inadequacy of clean drinking water
and the highly contaminated waters.
Prevailing
method of purifications of water through chemical treatment is extremely
pricey, and is damaging to the environment. Scientists hence turn to
nanotechnology as an alternative to resolve the issue, as they can detect
pollutants, treat contaminants and prevent pollution. On
top of that, the article “Nanotechnology and the Environment” explains that
nanotechnology can also be used in an abundance of ways, such as cleaning of
oil spills, and allowing batteries to be recycled more efficiently.
From
the above examples, it is clear that nanotechnology can indeed be beneficial to
the environment in more ways than one, and it can prove to be extremely
advantageous in areas where many other solutions are incapable of. Thus, there
should be more emphasis and attention on companies like BlueRen, which can
speed up the development and production of nanotechnology.
The
boon that nanotechnology presents is prominent. However, it does come with
drawbacks as well. Firstly, as mentioned in the article, the process of
upcycling plastics of nanotubes produces toxic gases. Even though BlueRen’s
efforts helped in minimising the amount, the exact difference of toxic gas
being produced is not acknowledged. Hence, even with BlueRen’s new technology,
the rate of toxic gas being created could continue to be alarming. On
top of that, an article “Environmental Impacts of Nanotechnology and Its
Products”, by Zhang (2011) also discusses other shortcomings of nanotechnology,
such as high energy is needed to produce nanoparticles, resulting in huge
increase in demand for energy.
There
is no questioning the reality that nanotechnology can bring upon a brighter and
much more sustainable environment in the world, as the benefits they bring with
them is undeniable. However, the fact that they come with their own sets of
disadvantages makes it questionable whether the boons they provide outweighs
their banes or not. However, nanotechnology will continue to develop without
any doubts. It may eventually progress into becoming a technology that the
environment cannot do without.
References
Battachara,
P. (2012). Environmental Effects
of Nanotechnology. Azonano.
Goy,
P. (2016). Duo turn plastic waste
into a concrete idea. The Straits times.
Retrieved
September 2017, from http://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/duo-turn-plastic-waste-into-a-concrete-idea
Zhang,
B. (2011). Environmental Impacts of Nanotechnology and Its Products.
Retrieved
September 2017, from https://www.asee.org/documents/sections/midwest/2011/ASEE-MIDWEST_0030_c25dbf.pdf
(N.A.). Nanotechnology and the Environment. Nanowerk.
Changes from draft 1:
Grammatical errors
Change in certain sentence structure
References
Edited 5th Oct 17
Edited 5th Oct 17
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